Hayes, Smutz, Heumann Star in 1L Competition

Gregory Hayes, an Anthony M. Kennedy Fellow and University of Michigan graduate, was named the top oral advocate at the championship round of the 4th Annual McGeorge 1L Moot Court Competition, which was held March 30 to April 1.

University of San Diego alumna Elizabeth Smutz captured the best brief award, and Michael Heumann, a Drew University graduate, took combined honors for his brief and oral argument. Forty students entered the competition, which required a five-page brief written over spring break and a seven-minute oral argument. Ten competitors were selected to advance to the semifinal round, and of those 10, four were selected to compete in the final round.

The Moot Court Honors Board's competition committee, led by Amber Simmons, '12, spent months preparing for the competition, which included writing the problem that involved a motion-to-suppress, researching case law, and recruiting students. Moot court members also judged the first and second round of the competition and scored the briefs.